Lake Waiau
| Lake Waiau | |
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| Location | Mauna Kea, Hawaii |
| Coordinates | 19°48′40″N 155°28′39″W / 19.811248°N 155.477374°WCoordinates: 19°48′40″N 155°28′39″W / 19.811248°N 155.477374°W |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 13,020 ft (3,970 m) |
Lake Waiau is a high-elevation lake located at 13,020 feet (3970 m) above sea level on Mauna Kea, on the island of Hawaiʻi. It is the seventh highest lake in the USA [1] (higher than Lake Titicaca), and one of very few lakes at all in the state of Hawaiʻi. It is relatively small, only about 100 m across, and varies in size as the water level rises and falls. At high water levels a small outlet stream appears at the northwest end, but it is absorbed into the ground after a short distance. The name means "swirling water" in Hawaiian, though it is usually rather placid. It usually freezes in winter, but aquatic insects such as midges and beetles can be found breeding in the water.
[edit] Gallery
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view from above
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with a person for scale
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outlet stream
[edit] Mythology
According to Hawaiian mythology, Lake Waiau was bottomless and was the portal for spirits to travel to and from the spirit world. In ancient time, a chief would throw the umbilical cord of their first son, as soon as it fell off the infant, into the lake. It was to reserve the place for the child's afterlife as a chief. Rituals are still performed occasionally in present days. Lake Waiau is a sacred site. Visitors should not disturb, enter or drink the water of the lake.
[edit] Notes
- ^ "The Highest Lake in the USA". http://www.highestlake.com/highest-lake-usa.html#Waiau. Retrieved 2008-10-11.
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